Nestled in the forested hills of Zadni Groń above Wisła, the Wooden Chapel of St. Hedwig of Silesia is a quietly enchanting stop that rewards curious travellers. Built in 1909 at the initiative of Archduke Friedrich of Habsburg, this Tyrolean-style gem has stood for over a century as a place of beauty, history and spirituality.
The chapel sits within the grounds of the Polish President's residence at Czarne, lending it a unique and somewhat exclusive atmosphere. Its shingle-clad walls and slender central bell tower blend seamlessly into the Beskid landscape. In summer, the surrounding forests provide a lush green backdrop; in autumn, the hillside bursts into warm colours that make the chapel look like a scene from a painting. Even in winter, dusted with snow, the little building radiates a timeless alpine charm.
How to get thereInside, a magnificent Mannerist altar from the first half of the 17th century awaits — rescued from a long-demolished church in what is now Zaolzie — along with a 'Stations of the Cross' painting dated 1683. A humble exterior hides centuries of art and devotion.